How long should I wait to drink alcohol after taking medicines?
Ah this one question!There is no simple one liner to this for we have a plethora of medicines and ways they react with alcohol.Now if it’s a 20 years old asking this one or a 60 years old?!For the elderly, highly recommended to stay away from any form of drinking atleast for 72 hours. As we age the capacity of liver to metabolise the drug itself reduces, let alone alcohol.And for the rest of us, let’s divide it into categories for a quick glance.1)‘Don’t even think about it’Here are a few causing a reaction so strong they have coined a term for it- Disulfiram like reaction. Headache, vomiting, chest pain, breathlessness and worse!•Nitroimidazoles (Metrogyl mostly)• Cephalosporins (Third generation)•Antifungals•Propanolol•Vasodilators•Cotrimoxazole•Antidiabetics•Antiepileptics or antipsychotics•Immunosuppressive drugs2) Over-the-counter AntibioticsThose reading this, I assume, are not sick anymore and just forced into finishing the course with a party to attend!Here’s the deal- alcohol in moderation can be taken with common antibiotics (Amoxicillin/Azithromycin/Augmentin). But I doubt if it’s going to be a pleasant experience since the mild side effects like metallic taste are just going to worsen.3) Cold n’ Allergy medicationsNo matter how fancy the claims, almost all of these cause mild sedation. Alcohol exerts a synergistic effect only making you sleepier with a longer reaction time.Let atleast 8 hours pass before you hold that drink. And in case you’re going to drive- drop it altogether.4) PainkillersThe golden rule with NSAIDS (Ibuprofen/ Paracetamol/Aspirin) is never take them empty stomach. And whether you should mix them with alcohol depends on the duration you’ve been taking them for!•Close to a week- your stomach mucosa is too vulnerable to be exposed to alcohol. It might lead to an ulcer or GI bleed. Stay off.• A day or two- couple of drinks won��t harm. Just make sure to eat along.The obvious be stated- it’s all a game of moderation. And I’m sure everyone knows where to draw the line. Stay safe.Cheers!
If I take a few Antacids before I drink coffee, will my GERD be under control?
Pharmacist here and I want to help you. First off Douglas B. is not helping. GERD is not caused by nerves. It is caused by a few reasons. 1) The excess production of stomach acid. 2) The weakening of the sphincter of the cardiac region of the stomach (LES). 3) Diet, weight, exercise, and genetics Treating GERD requires more work than a few Antacids every now and then. The best thing that you can do is start taking a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) because GERD cannot exist without excess stomach acid. If you take a PPI such as Protonix or Aciphex for prescriptions or you could use Prevacid or Prilosec over the counter. Take these every day and you should be able to expand your diet every now and then. Also, I have noted that many patients who are over weight experience a VAST reduction in GERD symptoms after the loss of some excess weight. One lady that I can think of right now, can always tell if she is over 180 because she says the moment she hits 180 her GERD symptoms start back, she is 5'4". Your LES might not be strengthened by taking these medications but it certainly will not hurt the LES and could possibly help it out. When you do deviate from the diet, go ahead and take an antacid like Tums to help you through. Also milk of magnesia, Pepto, or other medications could help as well. You should be able to have a "splurge" meal every now and then. Treat yourself but remember not to go overboard. I really want you to treat your GERD because if you do not, you could get a prolapse in your esophagus. You could actually could have a hole burned through your esophagus. This could range from requiring surgery to life threatening conditions. The number of complications from prolonged untreated GERD is devastating. If you ever notice yourself coughing up blood or coughing up putrid liquid these could be signs of the complications. Please see a doctor immediately if you notice any of this and treat your GERD daily. Good luck and understand that GERD is not caused by nerves and no amount of deep breaths will help prevent future complications. I normally do not comment on other poster's but sometimes Douglas B. can actually cause more harm that good in his attempts to get more best answers.
I think i have gastritis and something else, medication isnt working, is there anything else i can take?
im a 19 year old girl okay so i went to the doctor because i was having very sharp pains in my stomach to the point where breathing was hard and i passed out for a little bit. They said i have gastritis and they gave me 2 things -painkillers (codeine) and -antacids i was taking the antacids but stopped because every single time i took them, they made me throw up a lot and i felt super sick and i dont take the painkillers unless the pain is really bad I dont get the sharp pains anymore but i have something else. I am almost always really nauseous and feel like throwing up. (especially in the mornings) No, im not pregnant or depressed. I sometimes cant look, smell or even think about food without getting nauseous. I eat but in the middle of the meal i have to stop before i begin feel nauseous. Also, i hardly ever feel hungry, i have to force myself to eat sometimes. How can i get my hunger back and how can i stop feeling nauseous all the time?
Is it bad to take an antacid everyday?
A daily antacid for short term use is safe. BUT, if you are taking antacids daily for long periods of time, you should see a doctor to determine why you need them.Too much stomach acid can be a sign of something wrong, and you will need to see a doctor about it. Gastro Esophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid comes up into the throat. Continual acid reflux can predispose you to developing throat cancers and other problems.Stomach acid also serves to kill off any harmful bacteria you swallow when you eat. When people chronically take H2 blockers like Zantac or PPIs like Protonix and reduce their stomach acid, they are at risk of not absorbing enough calcium which can result in osteoporosis. Also, chronically getting rid of stomach acid can put you at risk for developing bacterial overgrowth like Clostridium difficile.Short term use is OK, but if you are taking it for more than a couple weeks, consult your doctor.